Mastering Our Emotions: Biblical Principles for Emotional Health
Ebook
Emotions are a gift from God—yes, even the "bad" ones.
Anxiety can keep us up at night. Anger can cause us to fly off the handle. Sadness can drain us of energy. Shame can isolate us. Emotions like these are powerful. They can tax our relationships and distress our souls. No amount of sheer willpower or good intentions are sufficient to overcome them.
But God has a good purpose for these core emotions he created. By integrating biblical truth, evidence-based insights from psychology, and spiritual practices, we can move from being mastered by these emotions to living in emotional maturity. Psychologist Kevin Chapman draws on his therapeutic expertise to invite us into a deeper understanding of our own thinking patterns, emotional triggers, and avoidance behaviors—all viewed through the lens of scriptural truth and God's power to change lives.
In Mastering Our Emotions you'll find
- exercises
- worksheets
- Scripture readings, and
- reflection prompts
to help you work through challenges and develop new skills.
Rather than simply reacting to negative emotions in unhealthy ways, with God's help you can experience emotional transformation.
Introduction
1. In the Beginning
2. Being an Emotional Master: The Purpose of Your Emotions
3. Being an Emotional Master: The Parts of Your Emotions
4. Being an Emotional Master: Knowing the SEAL of Emotions
5. Being Present
6. Being Renewed
7. Being Adaptive
8. Being Physical
9. Being Brave
10. Being Consistent
Acknowledgments
Notes
"Truly a master class! With pastoral wisdom and therapeutic skill, Kevin Chapman reminds us that all our emotions are from God and are for our good if used wisely. As a follower of Jesus, I've known and experienced fear, anxiety, anger, and sadness. I just wish I'd had this book years ago! I would've better experienced God's loving presence when flooded with both pleasant and unpleasant emotions. The Bible says to 'not be mastered by anything.' Kevin Chapman shows us that this includes our emotions. But instead of vilifying our emotions, he helps us see that our emotions are a good gift from God and part of how we can love God and others with our mind, body, and soul!"
"Dr. Kevin Chapman has provided a creative and practical approach to engaging emotions. This truthful integration of Christian faith and cognitive science immerses the whole person in a hopeful experience of exploration, discovery, and renewal. These pages have the feel of a pragmatic Christian workbook, but it is actually a transformational invitation into effective stewardship of head, heart, and body."
"I can't say enough about how important it is for every Christ-follower to get out from under the rule of emotional immaturity. Dr. Chapman has laid out a great toolbox here to help us embrace what is useful and let go of what is harmful. I so appreciate his devotion to the Word and pursuit of God's original intent for human emotion."
"Kevin Chapman skillfully integrates biblical truth and a transdiagnostic therapy approach to teach readers how to master emotions and overcome neuroticism. While not well understood in the church today, neuroticism inhibits people's joy and undermines their ability to live out their callings. Practical exercises for applying clinical skills and scriptural teaching are woven throughout this manual in a way that will encourage readers in their walk with Christ as they learn the material. Both pastors and counselors will find this resource helpful in working with those they serve."
"Faith without works is dead. In Mastering Our Emotions, Dr. Chapman creates a spiritual walk that combines the biblical word with actions leading to emotional healing and wellness."
"Finally! A book that upholds Scripture and science on emotions in an approachable and practical fashion. Dr. Chapman navigates both their purpose and pitfalls. We desperately need this Christian work, which accounts for theology and its whole-person application—mind, body, and spirit. The message is clear: set your mind on Christ with the godly use of emotions rather than being mastered by them."
"Mastering Our Emotions by Dr. Kevin Chapman is a groundbreaking exploration of the human spirit that offers a refreshing and holistic approach to emotional well-being. Dr. Chapman masterfully combines biblical wisdom and psychological insights, providing an easy-to-follow road map for navigating life's emotional storms. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand and harness the power of their emotions. Dr. Chapman's practical guidance empowers readers to break free from the chains of emotional turmoil and experience true freedom. Highly recommended!"
"Dr. Chapman has an incredible talent of teaching us how to use our faith and effective treatment skills in tandem to address our emotions. This text outlines the skills we are meant to have from a biblical perspective while simultaneously providing concrete skills rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy. The clear biblical and therapeutic guidance is easy to follow, and the practice questions and prompts following each section allow you to see how to put your new knowledge into practice! I highly recommend this book for all believers who are hoping to gain clear skills to manage emotions."
"I am nearer to God and more at home in myself after reading Mastering Our Emotions. This book is a tool, companion, and guide. Personally, I've struggled to accept my emotions and my tendency to be emotional. Kevin Chapman's writing helped me to move past acceptance of my emotional self into understanding of and love for my emotions. Reading this book will help any person respond to their emotions with confidence. Engaging in the exercises in this book will help any person leverage emotions toward a deeper intimacy with our Intelligent Designer."
- Title: Mastering Our Emotions: Biblical Principles for Emotional Health
- Author: Kevin Chapman
- Publisher: IVP
- Print Publication Date: 2025
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781514010587, 9781514010570, 1514010577, 9781514013199, 1514013193, 1514010585
- Resource ID: LLS:9781514010587
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-11-01T00:12:33Z
Kevin Chapman (PhD, A-CBT, HSPP) is a licensed clinical psychologist with a specialty in cognitive behavioral therapy. He is the founder and director of the Kentucky Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders. Kevin leads Sound Mind Ministries and hosts The Sound Mind Show (YouTube), which focuses on managing emotions from a biblical perspective.